Written Answers Nos. 542-561
542. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide victims and survivors of the Magdalene Laundries a full HAA card for public and private services as was one of the recommendations within the Magdalen Commission Report in 2013. [3202/21]
View answerTo date, 805 applicants have qualified for benefit under the terms of the Magdalen Restorative Justice Ex-Gratia Scheme at a cost of €32 million in lump sum payments.
All eligible applicants, in addition to their lump sum payment, are entitled to an enhanced medical card (RWRCI Card) which they hold for life and a pension type payment - €100 per week if under State pension age, increasing to the value of the State Pension (Contributory) at pension age.
The medical services recommended by Justice Quirke are set out in the first recommendation, pages 6 and 35 of The Magdalen Commission Report. Justice Quirke recommended that the women receive a range of medical services similar to those provided to persons who were infected with Hepatitis C. Justice Quirke also noted that not all of the services provided to Hepatitis C victims would be relevant to Magdalen women. Legislation was required to implement this recommendation. In that regard, the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institution Act 2015 was commenced in June, 2015. The medical card applies from June, 2015 and, in accordance with that legislation, the following medical services apply.
- GP Services;
- Prescribed drugs, medicines, aids and appliances;
- Dental service;
- Ophthalmic services;
- Home support;
- Home nursing;
- Counselling services;
- A range of other services to include chiropody/podiatry and physiotherapy.
In addition, a Statutory Instrument exempting Magdalen Women from Out-Patient and In-Patient charges was signed on 30 November 2017.
Details of participants in the Scheme are provided to the HSE to facilitate the provision of the RWRCI Card.
543. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a decision will be made regarding the reopening of crèches in February 2021 taking into account the fact that staff have to have contingency measures planned in advance of any reopening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3540/21]
View answerBetween 11 and 31 January, access to early learning and childcare services is restricted to the children of essential workers and vulnerable children. In addition, the resumption of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) pre-school programme has been delayed.
During this period, my Department is continuing to provide funding under its schemes (ECCE, NCS, CCSP and TEC) as long as early learning and childcare services remain open for essential workers and vulnerable children, or have been directed or approved to close.
In addition, all early learning and childcare services remain eligible for support under the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and are exempt from the turnover rule. With enhanced EWSS subsidies in place until 31 March, EWSS subsidies are estimated to cover up to 50% of the operating cost of these services.
My officials are engaged in detailed planning as regards the arrangements for early learning and childcare services from February onwards.
Progressing the implementation of these plans will depend on the decision to be taken by Government on COVID-19 restrictions from 1 February.
To inform planning in the context of current restrictions and restrictions from February onward, my officials and I have engaged with the COVID-19 Advisory Group, which comprises representatives from the early learning and childcare sector.
544. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of social workers currently working in the Adoption Information and Tracing Service; the number of social workers currently working at the service per office; his plans to increase the number of social workers currently employed in these offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3558/21]
View answerFrom the Deputy's question I understand she is referring to the information and tracing service run by Tusla - the Child and Family Agency and this question has been referred to that agency for answer.
545. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current average waiting time for an initial appointment with the Adoption Information and Tracing Service; the current waiting times for an initial appointment with the service by individual office in tabular form; the measures he is taking to reduce waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3559/21]
View answerI am taking it that the Deputy is referring to the information and tracing service run by Tusla- the Child and Family Agency and this question has been referred to that agency for answer as it is an operational matter.
546. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will address the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3623/21]
View answerThe Government remains committed to combatting racism and fostering a diverse and inclusive society in Ireland, with its series of equality strategies acting as the main vehicle for change. Since 2017, the Migrant Integration Strategy (MIS) has been the central policy framework adopted by Government to promote the integration of all migrants who are legally in the State. It contains 76 targeted actions which are delivered by Government Departments, local authorities, local communities, the business sector, sporting and arts organisations and NGOs across a number of policy areas relevant to the integration of migrants, including employment; education and social inclusion. It also addresses racism and xenophobia, representing a whole-of-Government approach. While initially due to end in 2020, this strategy has been extended to the end of December 2021 to enable the actions of the Strategy to continue to be implemented while facilitating the preparations for a new strategic policy approach to migrant integration. Issues concerning people of African descent in Ireland and the wider black, Asian and minority ethnic communities in Ireland will be examined as part of this work to develop a robust successor strategy to the MIS.Arising from the recommendations of the mid-term progress report of the Migrant Integration Strategy, an Anti-Racism Committee has been established to help in the fight against racial discrimination in Ireland. The Anti-Racism Committee has a mandate to develop an understanding of the nature and prevalence of racism in Ireland, and to work towards achieving a social consensus on actions required, by State and non-State. It is currently working on a national plan to address racism, including structural racism. My Department is also working with the International Decade for People of African Descent Steering Committee in Ireland to develop a programme of activities to celebrate the United Nation’s International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD). This programme will promote the diverse heritage, culture and contribution of people of African descent to Irish communities.
547. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of alleged or known victims of trafficking or slavery who were placed in direct provision between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2020; his views on whether the direct provision system is an appropriate setting for victims of these crimes; the supports offered to these victims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3737/21]
View answerThe following table gives a breakdown of the numbers of suspected victims of trafficking who were accommodated by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department in the period from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019.
|
Year |
Number of persons |
|
2015 |
49 |
|
2016 |
37 |
|
2017 |
27 |
|
2018 |
23 |
|
2019 |
44 |
|
TOTAL |
180 |
Unfortunately, the finalised figure for 2020 is not immediately available to my officials as they are not always informed of this information when a person is first offered accommodation. Often, my officials may be notified at a later date through the HSE Anti-Human Trafficking team of an additional support requirement. I will forward this figure to the Deputy as soon as the relevant information is forwarded from the HSE Anti-Human Trafficking Unit for checking against the IPAS records. Not all International Protection applicants identified by An Garda Síochána as possible victims of trafficking and who are referred to the HSE team seek accommodation through the IPAS, as some do not need it and some wish to return to their country of origin as soon as possible.
Where requested by the HSE or An Garda Síochána, IPAS also provides accommodation to suspected victims of trafficking who are not in the protection process for a period of reflection and rest while considering whether to cooperate with Garda investigations into trafficking.
It is important to note that services for all International Protection applicants (including health services) are mainstreamed. Protection applicants are linked with primary care services (GPs), are entitled to a medical card while residing in International Protection accommodation and have a waiver of prescription charges. Applicants access health services through the same referral pathways as Irish citizens including referral to disability and mental health services. Every effort is made to ensure that residents' specific needs are met.
Where an applicant is a suspected victim of human trafficking and more intensive or specialist care needs are required, such cases are referred directly to the HSE. In addition, all applicants, including residents of accommodation provided by the State, can be linked into various services for appropriate counselling or other support. The HSE Anti Human Trafficking team work in conjunction with the IPAS to provide additional support services, linking them in with medical and counselling services, assisting them through the legal process and accompanying them to court appearances, enrolling them to education and employment training and assisting them return home to their countries of origin if they so choose.
I might also mention that the Department of Justice provides financial grants to a range of NGOs working with victims of human trafficking. The work undertaken by NGOs funded by that Department includes provision of practical support and advice and includes counselling services. The Department of Justice has a specific funding agreement in place with an NGO to provide support and assistance to victims of human trafficking that are identified within the International Protection process.
My colleague the Minster for Justice is also finalising proposals for a new National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for the identification and support for human trafficking victims. Once in place, the NRM will ensure a multi-agency, interdepartmental approach to the identification of victims and the provision of supports, including access to information and advice, counselling, income maintenance, health services and accommodation as may be required.
548. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his engagement with the forum for the survivors of mother and baby homes; the number of meetings since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3745/21]
View answerI recognise the challenge of building trust with those who have experienced trauma and hurt over an extended period. The State accepts its responsibility for the failure to listen in the past, and in more recent times. I have voiced my commitment to enhanced engagement with survivors and their advocates, including members of the Collaborative Forum.
Throughout 2020, members of the Forum were appraised of developments and updated on matters related to the Commission of Investigation by the Secretariat to the group. It is the practice and policy of my Department to issue updates and announcements to the Forum and other relevant stakeholders before they are issued more generally.
It is clear that new demands now emerge in seeking to facilitate dialogue on the Commission’s Final Report and the State’s Action Plan in responding to its findings. Structured engagement and consultation around the Action Plan requires specific structures, systems and resources to ensure it is inclusive and effective. Innovative methods are required to achieve this objective, especially given the continuing challenges presented by the restrictions necessary to reduce the public health risks associated with Covid-19.
I want to commence this enhanced dialogue as quickly as possible. As a first step, I will consult with members of the Collaborative Forum as I believe that a new and enhanced model of engagement, which builds upon the strengths of the existing process, can add to the significant work to date. I have invited members of the forum to two virtual meetings in the coming weeks to discuss the Final Report and how best to develop dedicated channels of communication and increase opportunities for direct engagement with the large number of stakeholders and their representative groups.
549. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will grant survivors of mother and baby homes immediate access to their birth certificates and records; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3756/21]
View answerI know the absolute importance of access to birth certificates and early life information for adoptees. Addressing this issue is a key part of the Government's Action Plan in response to the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes. It is a priority for myself, the Attorney and the Taoiseach.
My Department and I are engaging intensively with the Attorney General to find a solution to the issue of release of birth information based on GDPR, which protects an individual's right to their personal information. Through this engagement with the Attorney General regarding the proposed information and tracing legislation, I am hopeful that we will have Heads of Bill by end March or early April.
The Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation will stand dissolved in law on 28 February 2021 and is due to submit its archive of records to myself as the specified Minister by that date.
My Department is working intensively to ensure that it is properly resourced to handle subject access requests from possibly very large numbers of people who were resident in mother and baby homes. In this regard, a new Unit has been established to look after this hugely important and potentially significant volume of work.
There is a considerable amount of work to enable the transfer of the Commission's databases and records. Furthermore, there is considerable preparatory work being undertaken to establish systems and procedures to prepare for the potentially large number of subject access requests which may be made and to ensure that they can be managed in a timely and effective manner. This involves the engagement of suitable in-house expertise, consultation with the Attorney General and the Data Protection Commission.
Department officials are dedicating significant efforts to ensuring the Department is prepared for the transfer of the archives and for the handling of subject access requests in compliance with data protection law.
550. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will bring forward proposals to carry out excavations at all former mother and baby institutions and county homes. [3757/21]
View answerThe General Scheme of the Certain Institutional Burials (Authorised Interventions) Bill seeks to provide a legal basis to carry out a programme of phased, forensic-standard excavation, exhumation and reinterment of remains at the site of the former Mother and Baby Home in Tuam.
The Scheme would also provide a legal basis for interventions of a similar nature to take place at current or former institutional sites other than the Tuam site, if Government deemed that necessary in specific circumstances. This is notwithstanding the view that, from a legal and ethical perspective, it may be considered appropriate to leave burials undisturbed wherever possible. In this context, therefore, a burial site must be manifestly inappropriate and meet other certain defined criteria in order for Government to consider an intervention.
The investigation of burial arrangements of persons who died while resident in Mother and Baby Homes was a key focus of the terms of reference for the Commission of Investigation. It dedicated significant time and effort to advancing its investigations into these matters. As it stands, we do not have reason to believe that the extraordinary and disturbing burial practices such as those at the former “Home” in Tuam prevailed at any other Mother and Baby institution. Given the extensive investigation of burials conducted by the Commission, with the full suite of powers available to it, it is not clear that further investigation can uncover additional information regarding burial practices or locations.
551. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a redress board will be established considering the final report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related matters. [3763/21]
View answer552. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on making St. Brigid’s Day a national holiday in memory of all of the victims and survivors of mother and baby institutions. [3764/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 551 and 552 together.
An Interdepartmental Group (IDG) will develop proposals for a bespoke ex-gratia Restorative Recognition Scheme to provide financial recognition in respect of the issues examined by the Commission of Investigation.
The IDG will examine the three specific groups identified by the Commission in its recommendations, but is not restricted to these. My Secretary General will chair the IDG and nominations have been sought from relevant departments. The terms of reference for this work have been drafted and will be finalised and agreed by the IDG.
I want the scheme to be designed as early as possible in 2021. The IDG is tasked with reporting by the end of April to enable specific proposals to be brought to Government. This is a hugely important process for all connected to these institutions and I will be working with colleagues and survivors to advance these matters as a priority.
In responding to the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation, the Government approved development of a Strategic Action Plan encompassing a suite of measures. We will take a survivor-centred approach, with consistent engagement with former residents and their representative groups, on the development and implementation of these measures.
553. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if definitive information will be provided to employers in relation to parental leave which can be taken in advance of April 2021 and the benefit claimed retrospectively; the steps he will take swiftly on behalf of parents whose employers state that they have no information in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3826/21]
View answerThe Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 introduced two weeks of paid parent’s leave for each parent to be taken in the first year after the birth or adoptive placement of a child. Under proposals approved by Government in December 2020, each parent will be given an additional three weeks of paid parent's leave, and the period in which it can be taken will be extended to the first two years after the birth or adoptive placement of a child.The extension to parent's leave and benefit follows a number of advancements in family leaves in recent years, including the extension of unpaid parental leave to 26 weeks for a child under 12 years.It is anticipated that the legislation will be introduced in early 2021.I am conscious of the need for clear communication on family leave entitlements to both employers and employees, and it is my intention to meet with employers’ organisations in the coming weeks to discuss the proposed amendments to family leaves.
554. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the access arrangements in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic. [3999/21]
View answerThe Deputy is referring to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have therefore referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
555. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reunification arrangements in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic. [4000/21]
View answerThe Deputy is referring to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have therefore referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
556. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the funding streams available to support the European Youth Parliament in its upcoming online conference. [4021/21]
View answerMy Department has no role in relation to the funding of the European Youth Parliament.
However, the Deputy may be interested to know that my Department provides funding to support the participation by young people in Ireland in the EU Youth Dialogue. The EU Youth Dialogue facilitates and empowers young people to influence decision making on a local, national and European level and fosters connections between young people and decision-makers, including through the selection of Irish youth delegates to participate in the European Youth Conference.
It is implemented in Ireland through the Young Voices programme, which is delivered by the National Youth Council of Ireland in partnership with the National Working Group on EU Youth Dialogue, which is chaired by my Department.
557. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the specific funding streams available to local authorities to apply for; the amount that has been given by county; the amount awarded under each scheme in each of the years 2018 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4050/21]
View answerI am informed by my officials that specific funding streams are available to Local Authorities in the policy fields of Children and Young People and Equality, as follows:
- Play and Recreation Fund
- Comhairle na nÓg funding
- Comhairle na nÓg ICT funding (once-off in 2020)
- Irish Refugee Protection Programme
- Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund
- National Integration Funding
- Community Integration Funding
- Funding for Traveller and Roma Projects.
Amounts provided to Local Authorities in respect of grants relating to the Children and Young People policy area from 2018 to 2020 are as follows. No amounts have been awarded to date in 2021:
|
County/Scheme |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
Grand Total |
|
Carlow |
€22,350 |
€27,775 |
€24,422 |
€74,547 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€2,422 |
€2,422 |
||
|
Comhairle na nOg funding |
€20,000 |
€19,993 |
€20,000 |
€59,993 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€2,350 |
€7,782 |
€2,000 |
€12,132 |
|
Cavan |
€29,516 |
€34,250 |
€34,395 |
€98,161 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€2,658 |
€2,658 |
||
|
Comhairle na nOg funding |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€16,993 |
€56,993 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€9,516 |
€14,250 |
€14,744 |
€38,510 |
|
Clare |
€24,750 |
€23,000 |
€41,524 |
€89,274 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€3,024 |
€3,024 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€60,000 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€4,750 |
€3,000 |
€18,500 |
€26,250 |
|
Cork City |
€34,324 |
€20,000 |
€39,714 |
€94,037 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€2,714 |
€2,714 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€19,974 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€59,974 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€14,350 |
€17,000 |
€31,350 |
|
|
Cork County |
€31,824 |
€31,987 |
€27,361 |
€91,172 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€5,869 |
€5,869 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€19,824 |
€19,987 |
€19,491 |
€59,303 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€12,000 |
€12,000 |
€2,000 |
€26,000 |
|
Donegal |
€25,590 |
€35,500 |
€45,123 |
€106,213 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€3,625 |
€3,625 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€19,998 |
€59,998 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€5,590 |
€15,500 |
€21,500 |
€42,590 |
|
Dublin City |
€34,350 |
€20,000 |
€45,000 |
€99,350 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€500 |
€500 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€60,000 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€14,350 |
€24,500 |
€38,850 |
|
|
Dún Laoghaire |
€18,708 |
€20,000 |
€22,000 |
€60,708 |
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€18,708 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€58,708 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€2,000 |
€2,000 |
||
|
Fingal |
€23,000 |
€29,750 |
€42,734 |
€95,484 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€4,234 |
€4,234 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€60,000 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€3,000 |
€9,750 |
€18,500 |
€31,250 |
|
Galway City |
€32,000 |
€33,750 |
€45,093 |
€110,843 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€3,594 |
€3,594 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€19,999 |
€59,999 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€12,000 |
€13,750 |
€21,500 |
€47,250 |
|
Galway County |
€26,000 |
€20,000 |
€32,600 |
€78,600 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€1,350 |
€1,350 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€60,000 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€6,000 |
€11,250 |
€17,250 |
|
|
Kerry |
€34,350 |
€29,000 |
€36,250 |
€99,600 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€1,500 |
€1,500 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€60,000 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€14,350 |
€9,000 |
€14,750 |
€38,100 |
|
Kildare |
€32,650 |
€32,750 |
€42,794 |
€108,194 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€4,294 |
€4,294 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€60,000 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€12,650 |
€12,750 |
€18,500 |
€43,900 |
|
Kilkenny |
€28,866 |
€34,043 |
€30,736 |
€93,646 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€2,966 |
€2,966 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€19,616 |
€19,793 |
€19,814 |
€59,223 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€9,250 |
€14,250 |
€7,957 |
€31,457 |
|
Laois |
€34,339 |
€35,000 |
€50,338 |
€119,677 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€5,869 |
€5,869 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€19,989 |
€20,000 |
€19,969 |
€59,958 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€14,350 |
€15,000 |
€24,500 |
€53,850 |
|
Leitrim |
€21,700 |
€30,778 |
€49,874 |
€102,352 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€5,374 |
€5,374 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€60,000 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€1,700 |
€10,778 |
€24,500 |
€36,978 |
|
Limerick |
€20,000 |
€19,887 |
€38,118 |
€78,005 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€1,229 |
€1,229 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€20,000 |
€19,887 |
€19,889 |
€59,776 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€17,000 |
€17,000 |
||
|
Longford |
€33,644 |
€31,996 |
€42,305 |
€107,945 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€2,555 |
€2,555 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€19,944 |
€19,996 |
€20,000 |
€59,940 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€13,700 |
€12,000 |
€19,750 |
€45,450 |
|
Louth |
€34,350 |
€32,750 |
€43,204 |
€110,304 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€4,704 |
€4,704 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€60,000 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€14,350 |
€12,750 |
€18,500 |
€45,600 |
|
Mayo |
€32,000 |
€35,000 |
€44,369 |
€111,369 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€5,869 |
€5,869 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€60,000 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€12,000 |
€15,000 |
€18,500 |
€45,500 |
|
Meath |
€33,150 |
€34,250 |
€44,217 |
€111,617 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€2,718 |
€2,718 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€19,999 |
€59,999 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€13,150 |
€14,250 |
€21,500 |
€48,900 |
|
Monaghan |
€34,350 |
€33,487 |
€44,424 |
€112,261 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€2,924 |
€2,924 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€60,000 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€14,350 |
€13,487 |
€21,500 |
€49,337 |
|
Offaly |
€28,400 |
€27,219 |
€34,894 |
€90,513 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€2,812 |
€2,812 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€15,000 |
€20,000 |
€18,957 |
€53,957 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€13,400 |
€7,219 |
€13,125 |
€33,744 |
|
Roscommon |
€30,846 |
€29,935 |
€38,997 |
€99,778 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€19,496 |
€19,435 |
€20,000 |
€58,931 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€11,350 |
€10,500 |
€15,997 |
€37,847 |
|
Sligo |
€19,969 |
€28,192 |
€29,987 |
€78,149 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€2,999 |
€2,999 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€19,969 |
€19,848 |
€20,000 |
€59,817 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€8,344 |
€6,988 |
€15,332 |
|
|
South Dublin |
€31,786 |
€31,002 |
€47,794 |
€110,582 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€1,794 |
€1,794 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€19,786 |
€19,002 |
€20,000 |
€58,788 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€12,000 |
€12,000 |
€26,000 |
€50,000 |
|
Tipperary |
€29,101 |
€33,332 |
€41,515 |
€103,948 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€3,015 |
€3,015 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€60,000 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€9,101 |
€13,332 |
€18,500 |
€40,933 |
|
Waterford |
€34,350 |
€28,297 |
€40,861 |
€103,508 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€2,361 |
€2,361 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€60,000 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€14,350 |
€8,297 |
€18,500 |
€41,147 |
|
Westmeath |
€32,000 |
€33,000 |
€42,944 |
€107,944 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€3,444 |
€3,444 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€60,000 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€12,000 |
€13,000 |
€19,500 |
€44,500 |
|
Wexford |
€29,650 |
€23,000 |
€20,583 |
€73,233 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€583 |
€583 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€60,000 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€9,650 |
€3,000 |
€12,650 |
|
|
Wicklow |
€32,638 |
€19,895 |
€43,000 |
€95,533 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
||
|
Comhairle na nÓg funding |
€19,988 |
€19,895 |
€20,000 |
€59,883 |
|
Play and Recreation Funding |
€12,650 |
€20,000 |
€32,650 |
|
|
Grand Total |
€910,552 |
€898,826 |
€1,207,170 |
€3,016,547 |
Amounts provided to Local Authorities in respect of funding in the Equality policy area from 2018 to 2020 and to date in 2021 are as follows.
Irish Refugee Protection Programme
|
- |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
|
Galway |
€34,769 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€34,769 |
|
Carlow |
€0 |
€20,831 |
€0 |
€0 |
€20,831 |
|
Donegal |
€26,000 |
€326,573 |
€0 |
€0 |
€352,573 |
|
Westmeath |
€90,000 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€90,000 |
|
Longford |
€165,000 |
€26,000 |
€90,500 |
€0 |
€281,500 |
|
Offaly |
€307,035 |
€0 |
€136,939 |
€0 |
€443,974 |
|
Laois |
€0 |
€221,319 |
€19,786 |
€0 |
€241,105 |
|
Cavan |
€0 |
€249,698 |
€0 |
€0 |
€249,698 |
|
Cork County |
€0 |
€225,284 |
€0 |
€0 |
€225,284 |
|
Mayo |
€180,517 |
€0 |
€108,522 |
€0 |
€289,039 |
|
Tipperary |
€0 |
€414,698 |
€0 |
€0 |
€414,698 |
|
Wicklow |
€0 |
€428,000 |
€0 |
€0 |
€428,000 |
|
Total |
€803,321 |
€1,912,403 |
€355,746 |
€0 |
€3,071,470 |
Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2014-2020 (part-funded by the EU)
|
- |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
|
Monaghan |
€150,000 |
€150,000 |
|||
|
Total |
€0 |
€150,000 |
€0 |
€0 |
€150,000 |
National Integration Funding
|
- |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
|
Meath |
€132,480 |
€132,480 |
|||
|
Tipperary |
€40,500 |
€40,500 |
|||
|
Total |
€0 |
€0 |
€172,980 |
€0 |
€172,980 |
Community Integration Funding
|
- |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
|
Fingal |
€5,000 |
€5,000 |
|||
|
Wexford |
€5,000 |
€5,000 |
|||
|
Waterford |
€5,000 |
€5,000 |
€10,000 |
||
|
Cork County |
€3,209 |
€3,209 |
|||
|
Sth. Dublin |
€2,472 |
€2,720 |
€2,720 |
€2,720 |
€10,632 |
|
Limerick |
€4,200 |
€4,200 |
|||
|
Total |
€20,681 |
€11,920 |
€2,720 |
€2,720 |
€38,041 |
Traveller and Roma Funding
|
- |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
|
Carlow |
€17,360 |
€14,467 |
€17,360 |
€17,360 |
€66,547 |
|
€17,360 |
€14,467 |
€17,360 |
€17,360 |
€66,547 |
558. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons living in direct provision centres to date in 2021; the position on direct provision centres; if inspections are carried out; if so, the regularity with which inspections are carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4072/21]
View answerAs of the week ending 24 January 2021, there were a total of 6,986 people in the International Protection process being accommodated by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department.
As you will be aware the Programme for Government contains a commitment to ending the Direct Provision system and replacing it with a new International Protection accommodation policy. The Government has also committed to the development of a White Paper which will set out how this new system will be structured and the steps to achieving it.
My Department is currently developing the White Paper which will set out options, together with the recommended direction, for the new model of accommodation and services for International Protection applicants and the transitional processes needed to implement the model. Options for developing a not-for-profit approach are currently being examined in this regard. In view of the extent of change proposed, the White Paper will take some more time than originally envisaged and it is now expected to be published in February.
It is recognised by all involved that the replacement of the current system is complex and that it will take some time. Therefore, in order to meet our legal obligations to provide accommodation and other support services for protection applicants, existing accommodation centres will continue to operate in the transitional period. We will focus on the provision of own-door accommodation and facilities to allow for independent living (access to cooking and laundry facilities and communal family areas outside bedrooms) and on reducing our use of hotels and guest-houses as an emergency measure. In this respect we have reduced the number of such premises currently being utilised to 25 from a high of 44 early in 2020.
Accommodation centres are currently subject to regular unannounced inspections by both my officials in IPAS and an independent inspectorate company (QTS Limited).
These inspections are generally undertaken, twice yearly by my officials in IPAS and once yearly by QTS Limited. Inspections cover a wide range of issues including the quality of the food quality, fire safety, appropriate signage and information for residents, the condition of communal areas and sleeping quarters and adherence to hygiene and other health and safety measures. Completed inspections are published on www.ria.gov.ie.
My Department is currently engaging with HIQA about undertaking the role of monitoring the services provided to those accommodated in our centres against National Standards that were published in 2019. The National Standards meet the requirements of the EU (recast) Reception Conditions Directive (Directive 2013/33/EU) which we voluntarily opted into in June 2018.
We hope to begin this monitoring by HIQA in the coming months. A strong and transparent monitoring capacity is crucial to ensure that quality of service is maintained during the significant transformation process that will occur over the coming years.
The current inspection programme was severely compromised by the COVID -19 pandemic. All inspections were suspended temporarily during the first phase of COVID-19 restrictions but they recommenced on 14 September 2020 with all necessary safeguards in place. With the exception of the new accommodatio centre in Dominick Street, Galway (which was not fully occupied until late 2020) all our designated international protection accommodation centres were inspected at least once by IPAS officials with 21 centres being inspected twice by IPAS officials. Furthermore QTS carried out an additional 29 inspections in 2020. This gives a combined total of 94 inspections carried out in 2020.
Currently due to restrictions under level 5 of the Government’s Living with Covid response, inspections are not taking place but it is hoped to resume them as soon as public health conditions allow.
559. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the discussions that have taken place with providers regarding provision of childcare for HSE front-line staff; if these discussions have included provision of childcare for school age children; if an agreement has been reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4136/21]
View answerI am very conscious that, during this challenging period, healthcare and other essential workers may have additional, unanticipated childcare needs, particularly as a result of the temporary school closures.
Information has been shared through the Department of Health and the Department of Education with healthcare workers and school staff on the existing option of contacting their local CCC for assistance in finding childcare and on the availability of subsidies through the National Childcare Scheme.
I and my Department's officials have engaged on this matter with sectoral representatives on the Covid-19 Advisory Group. A significant number of meetings have been convened with the group since the start of the year. The work of the Advisory Group informs my Department's strategic thinking and decision making in the early learning and childcare sector.
560. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if support will be provided to childcare facilities that are not charging parents for children that are not attending the facility during the current restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4137/21]
View answerUnder current COVID19 restrictions, financial supports continue to be available to the sector, notably the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS). EWSS is an economy-wide enterprise support for eligible businesses in respect of eligible employees. It provides a flat-rate subsidy to qualifying employers based on the numbers of paid and eligible employees on the employer’s payroll; and it charges a reduced rate of employer PRSI of 0.5% on wages paid that are eligible for the subsidy payment.
ELC and SAC services registered with Tusla received an exemption from the EWSS turnover requirements. This additional benefit exempts providers from demonstrating a decline of 30% turnover to be eligible for EWSS. Furthermore, the rate of subsidy the employer will receive per paid eligible employee under EWSS was enhanced on 20 October 2020 in response to nationwide level 5 restrictions and will continue to be made available during this January period.
Under the enhanced rates, the average ELC and SAC service with EWSS will have approximately 80% of payroll costs covered. This equates to approximately 50% of the usual operating costs of the average service – allowing them to operate sustainably with lower occupancy rates and higher delivery costs due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
My Department is continuing to provide all ELC and SAC subsidy schemes at existing capitation and subsidy rates until the end of January. These include the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), Community Childcare Subvention Plus (CCSP) Saver Programme, Training and Employment Childcare (TEC) Saver Programme and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme.
Despite beneficiary schemes funding continuing to flow from the Department, along with access to the EWSS, some services may be left with a short-term sustainability concerns due to lower income levels arising from current restrictions. Officials within my Department are currently developing a specific strand of funding to support sustainability issues arising out of the impact of full and part time early learning and care and school age childcare services opening only for the children of essential workers and vulnerable children. Further details will issue in due course.
My Department also oversees a case management support facility through which local CCCs and Pobal work together to assess and provide assistance to ELC and SAC services in difficulty. This support can include help with completing and interpreting analysis of staff ratios, fee setting, cash flow difficulties, as well as more specialised advice and support appropriate to individual circumstances. Any service that has concerns about their viability during the current Level 5 restrictions should contact their local CCC in the first instance.
561. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if additional supports will be provided to childcare facilities to meet ongoing bills in cases in which facilities are operating at reduced capacity due to current Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4138/21]
View answerUnder current COVID19 restrictions, financial supports continue to be available to the sector, notably the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS). EWSS is an economy-wide enterprise support for eligible businesses in respect of eligible employees. It provides a flat-rate subsidy to qualifying employers based on the numbers of paid and eligible employees on the employer’s payroll; and it charges a reduced rate of employer PRSI of 0.5% on wages paid that are eligible for the subsidy payment.
ELC and SAC services registered with Tusla received an exemption from the EWSS turnover requirements. This additional benefit exempts providers from demonstrating a decline of 30% turnover to be eligible for EWSS. Furthermore, the rate of subsidy the employer will receive per paid eligible employee under EWSS was enhanced on 20 October 2020 in response to nationwide level 5 restrictions and will continue to be made available during this January period.
Under the enhanced rates, the average ELC and SAC service with EWSS will have approximately 80% of payroll costs covered. This equates to approximately 50% of the usual operating costs of the average service – allowing them to operate sustainably with lower occupancy rates and higher delivery costs due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
My Department is continuing to provide all ELC and SAC subsidy schemes at existing capitation and subsidy rates until the end of January. These include the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), Community Childcare Subvention Plus (CCSP) Saver Programme, Training and Employment Childcare (TEC) Saver Programme and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme.
Despite beneficiary schemes funding continuing to flow from the Department, along with access to the EWSS, some services may be left with a short-term sustainability concerns due to lower income levels arising from current restrictions. Officials within my Department are currently developing a specific strand of funding to support sustainability issues arising out of the impact of full and part time early learning and care and school age childcare services opening only for the children of essential workers and vulnerable children. Further details will issue in due course.
My Department also oversees a case management support facility through which local CCCs and Pobal work together to assess and provide assistance to ELC and SAC services in difficulty. This support can include help with completing and interpreting analysis of staff ratios, fee setting, cash flow difficulties, as well as more specialised advice and support appropriate to individual circumstances. Any service that has concerns about their viability during the current Level 5 restrictions should contact their local CCC in the first instance.
